Following a gas explosion on 12 June that was not controlled, emergency operations are currently underway at ONGC’s Well RDS#147 in Sivasagar district, Assam. All essential equipment and well control fluids have been mobilized to the site, and a crisis management team, commanded by the Director (Technical & Field Services), assumed operational control as of 16:00 hrs Saturday. Pumping operations were initiated after the successful installation and testing of critical connections, following the implementation of a comprehensive well control plan.
Details of the Incident and the Response
The blowout occurred during a servicing operation, specifically a logging perforation work designed for zone transfer in the old, non-producing well. Immediately following the perforation, the incident resulted in a rapid, uncontrolled discharge of gas, which prompted ONGC to activate its emergency protocols.
There have been no reports of fire or injuries. The site was secured, and well-killing operations were initiated with the deployment of emergency services, which included technical specialists and reinforcement teams. The company has declared that the situation is under control, and a comprehensive investigation is currently ongoing to ascertain the underlying cause.
Community Safety and Welfare
Local residents from adjacent regions were evacuated as a precaution. ONGC is actively interacting with evacuees to guarantee their well-being, in collaboration with the district administration. To accommodate the requirements of the displaced community, temporary shelters, sustenance, medical assistance, and psychological support have been established.
Similar Events in Recent Years
This most recent incident has resurfaced memories of previous high-profile well incidents in Assam:
The Baghjan Blowout of 2020 was one of the most severe industrial disasters in recent memory in India. Oil India Limited (OIL) operated Well No. 5 in Baghjan (Tinsukia district), and it emitted gas uncontrollably for 173 days before igniting on June 9, 2020. Before the well was eventually brought under control in November 2020, the incident resulted in three fatalities and extensive environmental damage.
May 2025, Dibrugarh Gas escape: A high-pressure gas escape from OIL’s Well No. 309 in the Dibrugarh district caused panic last month. However, the disaster response team of OIL was able to contain the leak within hours, thereby preventing any property damage or casualties.
Environmental and Industrial Consequences
The persistent hazards in India’s oil and gas sector, particularly in the mature oilfields of Assam, are underscored by blowouts, despite their rarity. These incidents serve as a reminder of the necessity for comprehensive disaster management strategies, consistent equipment maintenance, and stringent safety protocols. In particular, the Baghjan catastrophe prompted a comprehensive examination of the compensation mechanisms and well-safety measures for the communities that were impacted on a national scale.
ONGC’s Subsequent Actions
ONGC has reaffirmed its dedication to the well-being of the community, environmental protection, and operational safety. The company guarantees that all requisite actions are being implemented to reestablish order at Well RDS#147 and to provide assistance to those who have been impacted by the precautionary evacuation.
“Our top priority remains the safety of our personnel and the neighboring areas,” ONGC stated.
Outlook
Although ONGC’s prompt response has averted immediate casualties and environmental escalation, the incident serves as a severe reminder of the obstacles that India’s energy sector must overcome. The ongoing investigation into the Sivasagar explosion will be closely monitored for its implications on future operations in the region and the lessons it has taught.
Notable Incidents of Major Well Blowouts Abroad
The environmental, economic, and human costs are frequently the result of well-blowouts and oil accidents, which are significant industrial hazards with global precedents. The following are a few of the most significant and comparable incidents that have occurred abroad:
Deepwater Horizon (Gulf of Mexico, United States, 2010)
Incident: On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig, which was leased by BP and operated by Transocean, experienced a catastrophic explosion. A surge of natural gas ignited the rig platform, erupting through a recently installed concrete core.
Impact: The detonation resulted in the sinking of the rig, the deaths of 11 workers, and the injury of 17. The Gulf of Mexico was the site of the largest marine oil leak in history, as an estimated 4.9 million barrels (over 779 million liters) of crude oil were released by the ruptured wellhead.
Aftermath: The spill caused extensive environmental devastation along the U.S. Gulf Coast until September 19, 2010. The catastrophe prompted a worldwide examination of drilling safety and regulation.
Campos Basin (Brazil, 2011)
From November 7–15, 2011, a significant oil leak occurred in the Campos Basin, Brazil, because of a blowout at the Frade Field, which is operated by Chevron.
Gannet Alpha Platform (North Sea, UK, 2011)
A breach at the Gannet Alpha platform of Royal Dutch Shell resulted in the release of hundreds of tons of oil, making it one of the largest North Sea spills in over a decade.
Bohai Bay (China, 2011)
ConocoPhillips was accountable for a substantial leak in Bohai Bay, China, in 2011, as a result of a well control failure that occurred during drilling operations.
Industry Response and Lessons Learned
Technological Advancements: The global development and deployment of advanced blowout preventers (BOPs) and emergency response protocols were expedited by the Deepwater Horizon disaster. The global BOP market is experiencing growth because of the increased regulatory requirements and safety standards.
Regulatory Changes: Countries have implemented more stringent offshore drilling regulations, necessitating more thorough risk assessments, enhanced well design, and more robust emergency preparedness.
Environmental Awareness: The necessity of long-term environmental monitoring, transparent communication, and rapid response has been underscored by the increased public and governmental scrutiny of oil and gas operations as a result of major accidents.
Recent Developments
Despite their rarity, oil accidents and well-blowouts continue to have significant consequences. In the 2020s, there have been numerous substantial accidents on a global scale, with the majority of them being the result of operational failures or equipment malfunctions.